News Summary
A series of alarming sexual misconduct allegations involving multiple teachers in South Carolina has raised concerns about child safety in schools. Charges have been filed against a kindergarten teacher, a school principal, and others for inappropriate relationships with minors. Investigations highlight failures in reporting and protecting vulnerable students, stressing the need for increased vigilance and accountability within the educational system.
Anderson, South Carolina – A wave of serious allegations has rocked the educational community in South Carolina as multiple teachers have been arrested for sexual misconduct involving minors. The cases, which have emerged over recent months, include allegations against a kindergarten teacher, a school principal, and more, raising significant concerns about child safety within educational institutions.
Nicole Ballew Callaham, a 33-year-old kindergarten teacher, has been charged with three counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor. Investigations revealed that Callaham allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old boy that lasted for two years, beginning in 2021. She turned herself in to sheriff’s deputies in Anderson County and was subsequently released on a $120,000 cash bond following a bond hearing where she disclosed her pregnancy.
During her court appearance, which she attended virtually from a cinderblock cell, Callaham’s demeanor contrasted sharply with her public persona as a cheerful kindergarten teacher. The victim, now 18, came forward after processing the trauma of the abuse, aiming to encourage other victims to seek help. Reports indicate that he experienced manipulation from Callaham, which his mother corroborated, underscoring her concerns about the teacher’s influence over her son.
Additionally, court-imposed restrictions bar Callaham from contacting the victim or visiting certain locations associated with him. Compounding her troubles, Callaham is currently engaged in a custody battle for her young daughter from a previous marriage, having divorced her first husband earlier this year.
In an unrelated incident, 32-year-old Sulaymaan Benoit was arrested for molesting young students at the Green Charter School of the Midlands. He faces eight counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct after a parent’s report in January prompted an investigation. Benoit allegedly inappropriately touched three students, ages 7 to 12, on school property, with reports suggesting the abuse may have started in October of the previous year. The school’s principal, Tina Shaw, aged 41, has also been arrested for failing to report the abuse, in violation of mandatory reporting laws.
Benoit received a bond set at $75,000 with strict conditions, while Shaw was granted a $50,000 personal recognizance bond. Both cases spotlight significant failures within the school system to protect vulnerable children.
Another troubling case involves Nathan Chad Horsley, a 47-year-old teacher from Berkshire Elementary, who was arrested on five charges of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. He is accused of possessing child sexual abuse material and is being held without bond following an investigation supported by local law enforcement and federal officials.
Separately, Luther Jason Truluck, 30, has been charged with second-degree criminal sexual conduct after allegedly providing alcohol to a 15-year-old and subsequently abusing them. Communication between Truluck and the minor reportedly occurred under a disguised name on Snapchat. Following a runaway incident investigation, an arrest warrant was issued, leading to Truluck’s arrest; he received a conditional bond of $45,000 with multiple restrictions.
In light of these disturbing cases, the Lexington One School District has stated that staff members are placed on administrative leave during investigations to ensure compliance and cooperation with authorities. Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale has called for victims to come forward, emphasizing the importance of reporting such incidents rather than remaining silent.
These recent events underscore the critical need for vigilance within schools and community support systems to protect children and ensure accountability for those in positions of trust. As the investigations continue, community members and parents alike hope for a safe and nurturing environment for all students in South Carolina.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greenville County Schools Enhances Special Education Services
Simpsonville Teacher Faces Assault Charges in School Incident
Teacher Arrested in Laurens County for Fraud and Assault
Additional Resources
- New York Post: Alleged SC Dirty Teacher Released on Bail
- Wikipedia: Child Abuse
- WIS TV: Irmo Teacher Accused of Sexually Abusing Students
- Google Search: Sexual misconduct in schools
- Live 5 News: Georgetown County Teacher Charged with Child Sex Exploitation
- Google Scholar: Teacher Sexual Misconduct
- WIS TV: Lexington One Employee Sexually Abused Minor
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
- Charlotte Observer: Educators Arrested for Sexual Misconduct
- Google News: Teacher Arrests South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
